In the middle of the final chapter of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, we find a short commission that is worth reflecting on. "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love" (vv 13-14).
He starts by simply telling them to "be watchful." Peter says our enemy prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. He says, "Resist him, firm in your faith" (vs 9). We cannot resist the devil's attacks if we are not on the alert. So pay attention!
The next three charges are clear enough. Paul wants them to be unwavering in their belief in God. And if you stopped right there you'd have something of a battle cry given to fierce warriors going to fight their enemy. We are fighting an enemy, but look at verse 14. We are to let all we do be done in love.
Burn that sentence into your mind and your heart. The next time you're upset with someone, and you're about to let them have it, just remind yourself of this verse and see if it doesn't change the way you treat them.
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